UPDATED MAR 2020. Confession. When I moved to Hawaii, I didn’t have a TV. By choice. Not because I am anti TV or anything, I just don’t really watch it so never got around to buying one. It really wasn’t a big deal in my head. But you would think I was living without oxygen from some of the comments that my flabbergasted friends made. It seemed that people could not grasp how one could survive in life without one. Here’s a list of 10 things you can do instead of watching TV in case you were wondering, or wanted to reduce your screen time.
10 Things To Do Instead Of Watching TV – Screen Self Care Guide
‘Wait, so what do you do at night?‘
My friends would ask me this time after time, with a puzzled look on their faces. I remember being so baffled each time the conversation arose.
Like I said, I’m not anti-TV at all and I enjoy watching Netflix every now and then. I just think there are so many hours in each night that can be used for things that are healthier, more fulfilling, and that can help you to grow more in my opinion.
So here are is a post of 10 things you can do instead of watching TV in case you too are shocked by the idea of not devoting so many hours each night glued to a box.
1. Go for a walk
Going for an evening stroll with your significant other. If my husband is away I go by myself or with the dogs. If he is home, we go together. It’s a nice way to wind down from the day.
You get the added bonus of being out in the fresh air and getting some extra steps in.
Sunset is also a beautiful time to be outside walking, especially if you have good views where you live.
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2. Play a game
Uno anyone? I love playing a card or board game at night because it’s a fun way to interact with each other and engage in a fun competition.
I might get a bit too competitive sometimes and treat it like a Wimbledon final than a simple game.
3. You could spend time with friends
Instead of watching TV try hanging out with people. I mean like actually hang out, not just message them on Facebook.
Put the screens away and be in the moment of each other’s company.
Talk deeply.
Or even just share some laughs. Spending time with good quality friends is good for the soul.
4. Actually enjoy your meal
I hate cooking but I do enjoy to make an experience of eating a meal.
I like sitting outside to enjoy it with some great company and a cold drink. It’s nice to be mindful of the moment instead of on the couch eating and distracted by the TV.
We also love to do a tapas style dinner where we grill little by little and eat as we go.
5. Turn the TV off and talk to each other
One thing we got to do a lot was to talk to each other, not only in the commercial breaks.
How is that for an idea, actually chatting to the person you live with.
Maybe those who are always around their partners take this for granted, but it’s a pretty special thing for those of us who are always separated from our loved ones.
6. Get outside
Just go outside and do anything. Explore whatever is around you. Visit the parks, find new trails,
7. You can exercise more
Fact: you have more time to exercise when you watch less TV.
However you do it, playing a team sport, joining a fitness class or working out at a gym, you have the time to relieve the stress of the day with a good old fashioned endorphin boost.
If you do go to the gym, another bonus is that sometimes it’s quieter in the evening time when people are usually at home watching TV.
8. Work on a project
This is probably my main reason that I don’t watch much TV, I am always working on creating something.
Whether it has been with employment, business ventures, blogging, crafting, DIY projects, volunteering or otherwise, I find that the evenings are a great time to work on projects I enjoy.
I enjoy some shows, but overall, these things bring me so much more fulfillment than mindlessly watching a TV.
9. Turn the TV off and expand your mind
Cozy in with a nice book and do some reading.
Or if you’re like me and not the reading for entertainment type, perhaps read to teach yourself something new. You could learn something about the projects you are interested in.
Anything that gets some of the neurons in your brain firing.
10. Get intimate
People who aren’t glued to a screen get more action. Just saying.
That’s just a look at some of the things you can do instead of watching TV.
I know it’s a weird one to post about but I feel like I have to explain myself every time it comes up with friends. At least now I can direct them here and make some money off the explanation.
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Katie,
Not sure if you should be taking about how much “action” you get on a blog that your parents read.
Just saying.
Cant be any worse than the things my parents have said to me!